COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND  [2]  1 TIMOTHY 3:16 AN OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD IMPORTANT SCRIPTURE.   With the Scripture of the Day first.

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [214B]

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?  Matthew 6:26, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Almighty God (YHWH) proceeded to ask Job a series of questions that show are limited knowledge of things, Job 6:26, [AV] “Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?”  And, Job 39:5 – 6, [AV] “Who hath sent out the wild ass free? or who hath loosed the bands of the wild ass?  6  Whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwellings.”  And, Job 39:19, [AV] “Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder?”  And, Job 39:27 – 28, [AV] “Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high?  28  She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place.”  And, Job 40:15 - 18, [AV] “Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox.  16  Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.  17  He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.  18  His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron.”  And, Job 41:1, [AV] “Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down?” 

Yes those that, James 5:11, [AV] “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”  And as Psalms 145:10, [AV] says, “All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.”

[2]   1 TIMOTHY 3:16 AN OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD IMPORTANT SCRIPTURE:

THE SCRIPTURE, 1 TIMOTHY 3:16:

From many well known translations:

16  (Authorized King James Bible; AV)  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
16  (American Standard Version; ASV)  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
16  (Darby 1884 Version; Darby)  And confessedly the mystery of piety is great. God has been manifested in flesh, has been justified in the Spirit, has appeared to angels, has been preached among the nations, has been believed on in the world, has been received up in glory.
16  (Diaglot) A pillar and basis of the truth and confessedly great is the of the piety secret. Who was manifested in flesh, was justified in spirit, was seen by messengers, was proclaimed among nations, was believed among a world, was taken up in g
16  (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible; DRCB)  And evidently great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, appeared unto angels, hath been preached unto the Gentiles, is believed in the world, is taken up in glory.
16  (English Revised Version; ERV)  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
16  (Young's Literal Translation; YLT)  and, confessedly, great is the secret of piety-God was manifested in flesh, declared righteous in spirit, seen by messengers, preached among nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory!

BIBLICAL LAW OF AGENCIES:

To better understand this scripture, 1 Timothy 3:16, one needs to understand the Biblical Law of Agencies so here it is.

Some may find this a difficult concept, but is is similar to someone giving another a Limited Power of Attorney making him an agent to carry out an assigned task as did His Father (YHWH) at 1 Corinthians 15:22-28, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." (Authorized King James Bible; AV), testifies that God (YHWH) had given his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) over all except himself when the scripture says "it is manifest that he is excepted."   Clearly showing they were distinct individuals and that the Father (YHWH) was the superior one; hence they were not CO-EQUAL.  No where is this more clearly shown than in 1 Timothy 2:5, where it says "For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus," (Confraternity Edition of The New Testament; CETNT). 

Actually this is in keeping with an ancient law or custom commonly known as the Jewish Law of Agencies as follows, "Jesus (Yeshua) was God's (YHWH's) appointed agent in accordance with the 'Biblical law of agency' described as, "Scripture mentions something being done by Person A, whilst another mentions it being done by Person B. This is best understood when we grasp the Schaliach Principle, or the Jewish Law of Agency, which is expressed in the dictum, "A person's agent is regarded as the person himself." Therefore any act committed by a duly appointed agent is regarded as having been committed by the principle." (The Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion, R.J.Z. Werblowski and Geoffrey Wigoder). 

It is important to understand this law of agencies since this will enhance our understanding of many key texts, such as why the Judges and angels were called "God" (Ex. 21:6; 22:8; Ps. 8:5; 82:1). Many more instances could be provided, but brevity is in order here.  John 8:54 drives this law of agency home, "Jesus answered, 'If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing.  It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God." (CETNT), showing that Jesus (Yeshua) was his Father's (YHWH's) agent, and he sought not his own glory, but glory from his Father (YHWH).  Therefore, Jesus (Yeshua) could say as he did at John 11:40, "Jesus said to her, 'Have I not told thee that if thou believe thou shalt behold the glory of God?'" (CETNT).   Even Satan the Devil recognized this, Jesus (Yeshua), as God's (YHWH's) agent, 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In their case, the god of this world has blinded their unbelieving minds, that they should not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." (Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible); thus he is trying to blind the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from recognizing this truth.  We must be constantly on guard against the imaginations of Satan the Devil and his attempts to get all men to believe God (YHWH) dishonoring doctrines of men such as the Duality and the Trinity and be noble like the Beroeans, Acts 17:11, "Now these were of a nobler character than those of Thessalonica and they received the word with great eagerness, studying the Scriptures every day to see whether these things were so." (CETNT)

Bible Scholar extraordinary and Koine Greek student states, "The question comes down to whom we would address as GOD.

Moses is called God (Ex. 7:1), but we would never address him as such.
No one can say the converse, that God is Moses.  ["I have made thee a god to Pharaoh - That is, my representative in this affair, as magistrates are called gods, because they are God's vicegerents. He was authorized to speak and act in God's name, and endued with a divine power, to do that which is above the ordinary course of nature." [source - John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible]

Judges (Ex. 21:6; 22:8) were called God, but we would never address any as such.
No one can say the converse, that God was the Judge(s) [Dake's Annotated Bible, says regarding the judges at Ex. 22:8: "Heb. ha-elohim, the gods. Here it stands for men who represent God in judgment and executing justice according to his own law given to Moses. Such men represent Him and acts in His stead, according to Rom.13:1-6. This meaning should be given to the term *judges* in [Ex] 18:15-19; 21:6; 22:8; Cp. Ps 82:1, 6; Jn 10:34-36.]

Angels were called God (Ps. 8:5, 138:1), but we would never address any as such. They could even be called "Jehovah" (Ex. 3).  No one can say the converse, that God is the Angel.

Arguably, King Solomon was called God (Ps. 45:6).  No one can say the converse, that God is Solomon.  [The New American Bible reads here in the footnote:
"The king in courtly language, is called 'god,' i.e., more than human, representing God to the people."]

Do you see a pattern here? The Bible refers to others beings as God in that they represent Jehovah. They are not to be considered GOD in any other way.

"That these were designated 'gods' implies reverence and recognition of Him who sent them and whom they thus represented. Consequently in the Scriptures (Exod. xxii, 28), not only angels, but even men could be called 'gods',  without according them this status in the strict sense. [source - Ps. Clem. Recogn. ii, 42, "The Formation of Christian Dogma, p. 140 by Martin Werner]

If Jesus is called God, he, like the others, is so in a representational sense only, but not in a way to assume that he is actually Almighty God in the flesh.
No one can say the converse, that God is Jesus. Even triniarians cannot say this." [source - private writing of Heinz Schmidt, Bible Scholar extraordinary and Koine Greek student].

Therefore, given the above extended multiple examples of the Jewish Law of Agencies in action, it is simple to say that the Trinitarian argument about whether Jesus (Yeshua) was ever called god under any circumstances is actually mote and of no validity with respect their often long misleading convolute arguments with respect to their false claim that he is God (YHWH) also.  Also they clearly overlook what is stated over 40 times in the Bible; to wit, he is the Son of God (YHWH) and a son can NOT also be the Father as any reasonable and intelligent person well knows.  Also, to be noted with respect to Jesus (Yeshua) being called the Son of God (YHWH) over 40 times in the Bible, he, Jesus (Yeshua) is NEVER called God the Son as would be required if he, Jesus (Yeshua) and his Father (YHWH) were just different manifestations of the same being, a ridicules concept prima facie that of course is nothing more than a myth.  So be on guard against these types of false reasoning in keeping with Titus 2:1, ""But do thou speak what befits the sound doctrine:" (CETNT).

So as can easily be seen, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ was representing his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), and doing all things strictly as his representative which is made clear at John 12:49-50 as follows, "For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50  And I know that his commandment is life eternal: the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak." (American Standard Version; ASV).    Thus thoroughly proving he was acting as his Father's, Almighty God's  (YHWH's), representative and not doing things on his own.

NOW LET'S CONSIDER WHAT WORLD RENOWN SCHOLARS HAD TO SAY ON 1 TIMOTHY 3:16:

And world renown Bible scholar Matthew Henry said,

#14-16 The church is the house of God; he dwells there. The church holds forth the Scripture and the doctrine of Christ, as a pillar holds forth a proclamation. When a church ceases to be the pillar and ground of truth, we may and ought to forsake her; for our regard to truth should be first and greatest. The mystery of godliness is Christ. He is God, who was made flesh, and was manifest in the flesh. God was pleased to manifest himself to man, by his own Son taking the nature of man. Though reproached as a sinner, and put to death as a malefactor, Christ was raised again by the Spirit, and so was justified from all the false charges with which he was loaded. Angels ministered to him, for he is the Lord of angels. The Gentiles welcomed the gospel which the Jews rejected. Let us remember that God was manifest in the flesh, to take away our sins, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These doctrines must be shown forth by the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. [source - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary]

And renown Bible scholar Matthew Poole said,

Ver. 16. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: the various use of the particle kai in the Greek, which we translate and, maketh it doubtful what is the force of it here, whether it relates to the truth mentioned in the latter part of the former verse, or shows another reason why Timothy should have a care how he behaved himself in the house of God. If to the former, it is exegetical, and opens what he meant by truth, viz.,

the mystery of godliness, by which he means the gospel, which is the doctrine of godliness, being that which teacheth how aright to worship God, and walk before him; this he first calls, then proves to be, a mystery, a great mystery. The word is derived from the heathens, who had mysteries of their superstition and idolatrous religion. A mystery signifies a thing sacred and secret. The heathens also had their greater and lesser gods, and their greater and lesser mysteries. Paul calls the gospel, the doctrine of godliness, a great mystery, and says it is confessedly so, or such without controversy;  then he proveth it by telling us what it is, and giving us the sum of it. It teacheth us that he who was truly God: God over all, blessed for ever, (as the apostle saith), was manifested in the flesh;  #Joh 1:14: The Word was made flesh. How an infinite nature could be personally united to a finite nature, so as to make one person, is a mystery, and a great mystery. And this God thus manifested in the flesh was

justified in the Spirit;  either by his Divine nature, (which is here as some think called the Spirit), by virtue of which he in the flesh wrought many miraculous operations, and when he was buried he rose again from the dead, by which he was justified, that is, undoubtedly proved to be the Son of God. Or, by the Holy Spirit of God, (the Third Person in the holy Trinity), by whom he was conceived in the womb of the virgin, #Lu 1:35.

Seen of angels, who declared his conception, #Lu 1:32,33; sang and glorified God when he was born, #Lu 2:10,11; ministered to him when he was tempted, #Mt 4:11: who comforted him in his passion, declared his resurrection, #Mt 28:1-20, and attended his ascension, #Ac 1:10.

Preached unto the Gentiles: Christ's being preached to the Gentiles was also a mystery, so great, that Peter would not believe it to be the will of God, till he was confirmed in it by a vision, #Ac 10:1-48. This some think is spoken with some reference to the Gentile superstition, who also, (as was said before), had their greater and lesser mysteries, and to the former would admit no strangers.

Believed on in the world: that Christ should, upon the ministry of a few fishermen, and the report the world had received of what Christ did in Judea, be received and embraced by the world as their Saviour, was as great a mystery as any other, especially considering that the doctrine of Christ was as incomprehensible by human reason, as ungrateful to the propensions and inclinations of human nature.

Received up into glory: the resurrection of Christ is not mentioned, because necessarily supposed to his ascension, which he mentioneth as the last thing whereby Christ was declared to be God manifested in the flesh. [source - Matthew Poole's Commentary]

And the renown bible scholar of the New Testament Barnes' said,
Verse 16. And, without controversy. Undeniably, certainly. The object of the apostle is to say that the truth which he was about to state admitted of no dispute.

Great is the mystery. On the meaning of the word mystery, See Barnes "1Co 2:7". The word means that which had been hidden or concealed. The meaning here is not that the proposition which he affirms was mysterious, in the sense that it was unintelligible, or impossible to be understood; but that the doctrine respecting the incarnation and the work of the Messiah, which had been so long kept hidden from the world, was a subject of the deepest importance. This passage, therefore, should not be used to prove that there is anything unintelligible, or anything that surpasses human comprehension, in that doctrine, whatever may be the truth on that point; but that the doctrine which he now proceeds to state, and which had been so long concealed from mankind, was of the utmost consequence.

Of godliness. The word godliness means, properly, piety, reverence or religiousness. It is used here, however, for the gospel scheme, to wit, that which the apostle proceeds to state. This "mystery" which had "been hidden from ages and from generations, and which was now manifest," #Col 1:26, was the great doctrine on which depended religion everywhere, or was that which constituted the Christian scheme.

God. Probably there is no passage in the New Testament which has excited so much discussion among critics as this, and none in reference to which it is so difficult to determine the true reading. It is the only one, it is believed, in which the microscope has been employed to determine the lines of the letters used in a manuscript; and, after all that has been done to ascertain the exact truth in regard to it, still the question remains undecided. It is not the object of these Notes to enter into the examination of questions of this nature. A full investigation may be found in Wetstein. The question which has excited so much controversy is, whether the original Greek was yeov, God, or whether it was ov, who, or o, which. The controversy has turned, to a considerable degree, on the reading in the Codex Alexandrinus; and a remark or two on the method in which the manuscripts of the New Testament were written, will show the true nature of the controversy. Greek manuscripts were formerly written entirely in capital letters, and without breaks or intervals between the words, and without accents. See a full description of the methods of writing the New Testament, in an article by Prof. Stuart in Dr. Robinson's Bibliotheca Sacra, No. 2, pp. 254, seq. The small, cursive Greek letters which are now used, were not commonly employed in transcribing the New Testament, if at all, until the ninth or tenth centuries. It was a common thing to abridge or contract words in the manuscript. Thus, pr would be used for, pathr, father; kv for kuriov, Lord; yv for yeov, God, etc. The words thus contracted were designated by a faint line or dash over them. In this place, therefore, if the original were yC, standing for yeov, God, and the line in the y and the faint line over it, were obliterated from any cause, it would be easily mistaken for ov, who. To ascertain which of these is the true reading, has been the great question; and it is with reference to this that the microscope has been resorted to in the examination of the Alexandrian manuscript. It is now generally admitted that the faint line over the word has been added by some later hand, though not improbably by one who found that the line was nearly obliterated, and who meant merely to restore it. Whether the letter O was originally written with a line within it, making the reading, God, it is now said to be impossible to determine, in consequence of the manuscript at this place having become so much worn by frequent examination. The Vulgate and the Syriac read it, who, or which. The Vulgate is, "Great is the sacrament of piety which was manifested in the flesh." The Syriac, "Great is the mystery of godliness, that he was manifested in the flesh." The probability in regard to the correct reading here, as it seems to me, is, that the word, as originally written, was yeov -God. At the same time, however, the evidence is not so clear that it can be properly used in an argument. But the passage is not necessary to prove the doctrine which is affirmed, on the supposition that that is the correct reading. The same truth is abundantly taught elsewhere. Comp. #Mt 1:23 Joh 1:14.

Was manifest. Marg., Manifested. The meaning is, appeared in the flesh.

In the flesh. In human nature. See this explained See Barnes "Ro 1:3". The expression here looks as though the true reading of the much disputed word was God. It could not have been, it would seem evident, o, which, referring to "mystery," for how could a 'mystery'" be manifested in the flesh? Nor could it be ov, who, unless that should refer to one who was more than a man; for how absurd would it be to say that a "a man was manifested, or appeared in the flesh!" How else could a man appear? The phrase here means that God appeared in human form, or with human nature; and this is declared to be the "great" truth so long concealed from human view, but now revealed as constituting the fundamental doctrine of the gospel. The expressions which follow in this verse refer to God as thus manifested in the flesh; to the Saviour as he appeared on earth, regarded as a divine and human Being. It was the fact that he thus appeared and sustained this character, which made the things which are immediately specified so remarkable, and so worthy of attention.

Justified in the Spirit. That is, the incarnate Person above referred to; the Redeemer, regarded as God and man. The word Spirit here, it is evident, refers to the Holy Spirit; for

(1.) it is not possible to attach any intelligible idea to the phrase, "he was justified by his own spirit, or soul,"

(2.) as the Holy Spirit performed so important a part in the work of Christ, it is natural to suppose there would be some allusion here to him; and

(3.) as the "angels" are mentioned here as having been with him, and as the Holy Spirit is often mentioned in connection with him, it is natural to suppose that there would be some allusion to Him here. The word justified, here, is not used in the sense in which it is when applied to Christians, but in its more common signification. It means to indicate, and the sense is, that he was shown to be the Son of God by the agency of the Holy Ghost; he was thus vindicated from the charges alleged against him. The Holy Spirit furnished the evidence that he was the Son of God, or justified his claims. Thus he descended on him at his baptism, #Mt 3:16; he was sent To convince the world of sin, because it did not believe on him, #Joh 16:8,9; the Saviour cast out devils by him, #Mt 12:28; the Spirit was given to him without measure, #Joh 3:34; and the Spirit was sent down, in accordance with his promise, to convert the hearts of men, #Ac 2:33. All the manifestations of God to him; all the power of working miracles by his agency; all the influences imparted to the man Christ Jesus, endowing him with such a wisdom as man never had before, may be regarded as an attestation of the Holy Ghost to the divine mission of the Lord Jesus, and of course as a vindication from all the charges against him. In like manner, the descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, and his agency in the conversion of every sinner, prove the same thing, and furnish the grand argument in vindication of the Redeemer that he was sent from God. To this the apostle refers as a part of the glorious truth of the Christian scheme now revealed-the "mystery of religion;" as a portion of the amazing records, the memory of which the church was to preserve as connected with the redemption of the world.

Seen of angels. They were attendants on his ministry, and came to him in times of distress, peril, and want. Comp. #Lu 2:9-13 22:43; #Lu 24:4 Heb 1:6 Mt 4:11. They felt an interest in him and his work, and they gladly came to him in his sorrows and troubles. The design of the apostle is to give an impressive view of the grandeur and glory of that work which attracted the attention of the heavenly hosts, and which drew them from the skies that they might proclaim his advent, sustain him in his temptations, witness his crucifixion, and watch over him in the tomb. The work of Christ, though despised by men, excited the deepest interest in heaven. Comp. See Barnes "#1Pe 1:12.


SEE PART 2 OF ‘1 TIMOTHY 3:16 AN OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD IMPORTANT SCRIPTURE:’ IN VOL 215B

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]  DISCOURSE ON TELLING THE FACTS IS NOT JUDGMENT OF INDIVIDUALS.   With the Scripture of the Day first.

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [VOL. 219B]

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:  Matthew 5:38,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yet, Jesus (Yeshua) clearly showed this not to be the way of love at Matthew 5:39 – 45, [AV] “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.  40  And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.  41  And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.  42  Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.  43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  44  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;  45  That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”  Yes, Jesus (Yeshua) when asked which is the greatest commandment said at Matthew 22:36 – 40, [AV] “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  38  This is the first and great commandment.  39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  40  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”  Yes, he considered love to be the greatest attribute of his Father, Almighty God (YHWH), as shown by his recorded statement at John 12:34 – 35, [AV] “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”   

[2]   DISCOURSE ON TELLING THE FACTS IS NOT JUDGMENT OF INDIVIDUALS

FIRST FACT, No individual is being judged, but only the facts about organizations is being stated and shown. The facts with respect religious groups NOT INDIVIDUALS are being dealt with. The fact is the actions of these groups verify whether they are footstep followers of Christ, the Prince of Peace. As we all know, the groups that claim to be Christian make up a large portion of the world's population, over two (2) billion. However, Jesus (Yeshua) Christ himself said his followers and/or flock would be quite small in number, and we all know that he always told the truth so let's look at exactly what he said. First let's consider both Luke 13:24 and Matthew 7:13-14, it is in both of these that the road followed by true believers would be narrow and cramped, Luke 13:24, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." (Authorized King James Bible: AV); And Matthew 7:13-14, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, abroad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (AV); thereby, clearly showing few would be entering the narrow gate "which leadeth unto life." In reality, it will be difficult for even true Christians to enter as testified to at 1 Peter 4:18, "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear." (AV). In order to enter, we must have the right sort of guide, Luke 1:79, "To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (AV). Now, if one picks the wrong group, just because it is popular or the so called 'one to belong to in a community' and not because of Bible Truths, there is an important warning given at Matthew 15:14, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch." (AV). In fact, being with the wrong group can mean you are NOT having fellowship with the Son of God, Jesus (Yeshua) as testified to at 1 John 1:6, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not [have] the truth." (AV). This danger is made abundantly clear at Luke 12:32 when Jesus (Yeshua) spoke of his true followers as a little flock and not a large one, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." (AV). Simply stated, his true followers will be relatively few in number which should cause all sincere individuals to question whether mainstream religion with its vast membership is heading for the narrow gate!

So based on what Jesus (Yeshua) himself said, we can see that most who claim to be Christian are NOT really footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) as they claim as shown by their acts which I am sure you are aware of. In fact, Caliph Saladan an ancestor of mine said at the time of the Crusaders that he fought against, "these Crusaders committed more wrongs than I can imagine." The acts of these so called Christians; to wit, rape (including that of one of the sisters of Caliph Saladan), murder, torture, etc. were definitely does not speak of acts that would be sanctioned by the Prince of Peace, Christ, who gave this command at Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (AV). So their actions, contrary to the words of Jesus (Yeshua) clearly show they are NOT true/genuine followers of Christ. To state that groups committing atrocities are apostate (counterfeit) Christian is only testifying to the obvious facts, NOT condemning anyone.

All individuals belonging to these groups that falsely claim to be his followers as shown by their action are not necessarily condemned as they as individuals have an opportunity to get out of these groups. The Apostle Paul is an excellent example, before he became a follower of Christ, he had been a persecutor of Jesus' (Yeshua's) true followers. Let's look at that account in Acts 9:2-8 & 8-10 & 19 & 22 & 27, "And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:" (AV) and "8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord." (AV) and "19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus." (AV) & "22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." (AV) and "27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus." (AV).

SECOND FACT, Most religions of the world take a two part single path as they have some good and some bad. However, so called Christianity did NOT follow in the mold of other religions such as the Hindus, Islam, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, etc. Instead, so called Christianity took two different paths. These two paths are as follows:

[1] In 325 AD the greater part of the so called Christian faith went apostate to when the good favor of a pagan emperor, a worshipper of the Unconquered Sun. And this branch of apostate Christians went on to commit many atrocities such as the rape of Goa, the Crusades, the Inquisitions, the burning of individuals at the stake for disagreeing with them including one Bruno for simply saying that the earth revolved around the sun; whereas, they said the sun revolved around the earth.

[2] A second and much smaller group of Christians that remained genuine Christians and did NOT go apostate, but followed in the footsteps of Christ their leader and savior. These did NOT commit any atrocities.

The first path which all thinking and open minded individuals would agree was incorrect or bad was going apostate by the greater majority of Christians, i.e., the apostate counterfeit group, which now encompasses most of Christendom. This path or group committed many atrocities, were/are intolerant, and nations belonging to and controlled by this group started two World Wars, i.e., Germany and the Austra-Hungarian Empire. Whereas, the second group, the genuine (true) Christians, the footstep followers of Jesus (Yeshua) Christ preaches only Truth per the commandment of Jesus (Yeshua) at Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Authorized King James Bible; AV), And have never committed atrocities nor started wars, Crusades, Inquisitions or similar things against their neighbors. But seek to follow Jesus' (Yeshua's) guidance given at Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (AV).

THIRD FACT, Contrary to what many say, such as the following actual quote of one such individual.
Quote:

you have categorically declared the christian who do not accept your beliefs to be deviants


I do NOT categorically declared any belief deviant based on my own opinion and no one should. But have only stated they are deviant because they claim to be Christ followers, but they are NOT following in his footsteps; therefore, their acts are declaring them to be deviant and NOT I.

I do NOT MAKE declarations, but only provided the facts. Their actions, which declare their beliefs and have departed from that of following in the footsteps of Christ. Now, let's look at some of these acts that clearly show this fact, i.e., that they have become deviant:

[1] Two World Wars were started by nations that are controlled by those who claim to be Christian. Now obviously this claim can NOT be true since Jesus (Yeshua) is the Prince of Peace and said that we should love our neighbor, not seek to commit atrocities against him.

[2] Some groups who claim to be Christian have burnt people at the stake for disagreeing with them or being of another belief, i.e., Muslim, genuine (true) Christian, Jew, etc. Let's look at some examples: One, Bruno Giordano championed the Copernican system of astronomy which placed the Sun, not the Earth, at the centre of the Solar System. He opposed the stultifying authority of the church and refused to recant his philosophical beliefs throughout his eight years of imprisonment by the Venetian and Roman Catholic Inquisitions and finally was burnt at the stake for saying the earth went around the sun. [source - Giordano Bruno: The Forgotten Philosopher
by John J. Kessler, Ph.D., Ch.E]

Two, Michael Servitus In 1546 he wrote a book on spiritual regeneration. He attacked the doctrine of the Trinity. He thought the Nicene Creed dishonored the idea of redemption. For this John Calvin's group roasted him alive in an oven.[source - No. 689: MICHAEL SERVITUS by John H. Lienhard ]

Three, Empress Theodora when she came to the throne convened a council of bishops at Nicaea, to restore idolatrous pictures in the churches, and then turned her whole energies to the destruction of the Paulicians (Boglmils). She in conjunction to the Greek Orthodox church hierarchy issued her decree that all her subjects should conform to the Greek Church, and tried to put all the Paulicians to death.[sources - Manichaeism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and Theodora - biography by James Allan Evans, at De Imperatoribus Romanis and Empress Theodora: A Journey to the Past - Article by Christine Kiraz and Theodora - Melissa Snell]


Fourth, In 1215, the Council of Lateran established the dread Inquisition. In the ensuing 50 the Catholic church murdered over one million in their crusade against all they considered heresies under the Canon spewed out at the Council of Lateran. The Catholic church launched an inquisition against these peaceful people under Pope Innocent the Third in which he called Simon de Montford to slaughter and extinguish their religion which included the annihilation even of women and children. [sources - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia and The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-05]

[3] The Crusades were launched by so called Christians, but violated every principle put forth by Christ thus branding the groups supporting them as false or counterfeit Christians. Let's look in brief on one of the generals of the other side and what history says about him, the Caliph Saladin.
"Saladin (1137 or 1138-1193; Kurdish: Selahaddin Eyyübi; Arabic: Salah ad-Din Yusuf Ibn Ayyub; Salah ad-Din is an honorific that means The Righteousness of the Faith in Arabic) was a 12th century Kurdish Muslim military general who founded the Ayyubid dynasty of Egypt and Syria. He was also renowned in both the Christian and Muslim worlds for his leadership and military prowess tempered by his chivalry and merciful nature during the Crusades.

The Crusaders repeatedly provoked him. Raynald of Chatillon, in particular, harassed Muslim trading and pilgrimage routes [[This was definitely NOT an action for footstep followers of Christ, the Prince of Peace.]]with a fleet on the Red Sea, a water route that Saladin needed to keep open. Worse, and what made him a legendary monster in the Muslim world, Raynald threatened to attack the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. In retaliation, Saladin besieged Kerak, Raynald's fortress in Oultrejordain, in 1183 and 1184. Then Raynald looted a caravan of pilgrims on the Hajj in 1185, forcing Saladin's response [[Saladin's own sister was among them and reportedly raped by those claiming to be Christian, but they could NOT have been genuine (true) Christians as those do not pillage and rape others.]].

On July 4, 1187 they were faced at the Battle of Hattin by the combined forces Guy of Lusignan, King consort of Jerusalem, and Raymond III of Tripoli. The Crusader army was largely annihilated in what was a major disaster for the Crusaders and a turning point in the history of the Crusades. Saladin captured Raynald and was personally responsible for his decapitation. Guy of Lusignan was also captured but his life was spared." [[Showing Saladin a worshipper of the 'Moon god' more noble than those FALSELY claiming to be followers of the Prince of Peace, Christ.]][source - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia].


FOURTH FACT, As can be readily seen from the foregoing, the opening statement, "No individual is being judged, but only the facts about organizations is being stated and shown. The facts with respect religious groups NOT INDIVIDUALS are being dealt with." Is indeed the fact. Actions of groups either put them in the apostate (counterfeit) Christian class or put them in the genuine (true) Christian group.

This clearly shows the accuracy of the statement made in the SECOND part,

So called Christianity took two different paths. These two paths are as follows:

[1] In 325 AD the greater part of the so called Christian faith went apostate to when the good favor of a pagan emperor, a worshipper of the Unconquered Sun. And this branch of apostate Christians went on to commit many atrocities such as the rape of Goa, the Crusades, the Inquisitions, the burning of individuals at the stake for disagreeing with them including one Bruno for simply saying that the earth revolved around the sun; whereas, they said the sun revolved around the earth.

[2] A second and much smaller group of Christians that remained genuine Christians and did NOT go apostate, but followed in the footsteps of Christ their leader and savior. These did NOT commit any atrocities.

Always bear in mind the truth, the real facts, must be told as per John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (AV). No favor is done to anyone by covering up reality, but telling the truth gives your neighbor the loving opportunity of changing his or her course as did the Apostle Paul, formerly the persecutor Saul of the genuine (true) followers of Christ.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION - BOTH TRUE AND FALSE - AT  WWW.JW.ORG

COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2]   FACTS ON BOOK OF MATTHEW

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [222B]

But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.  Jeremiah 10:10,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Jesus (Yeshua) tested his followers with respect the depth of their faith in him and his Father by telling them truths hard to understand as recorded at John 6:54 – 61, [AV] “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  55  For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.  56  He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.  57  As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.  58  This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.  59  These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.  60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?  61  When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?”  But we see that he was not talking of his literal flesh or blood at John 6:66 – 69, [AV] “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  67  Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?  68  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  69  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Simon Peter herein uttered a great truth, “whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”   

[2]   FACTS ON BOOK OF MATTHEW:

This book has proved difficult to date due to a belief for a long time that the Book of Matthew was originally written in Hebrew and the wrong claim by some higher critics that Matthew had used the book of Mark for his information.   However, both of these claims have been proven wrong.

First, the long standing and formerly believed claim that the Book of  Matthew  had originally believed had been in written in Aramaic a off shoot version of Hebrew.    Recently this claim has been proven to be completely wrong.

Second, with regard to some higher critics claims that Matthew had gotten his information from the Book of Mark.    Of course these higher critics were completely wrong.   Why?    Matthew was an Apostle and was with Jesus (Yeshua) and had his information first hand and would NOT require input from any other source.    He was an individual, who being a former tax collector was given to detail and in his book adherence to detail is seen throughout.   This was noted specifically in many publications, one of which details it as follows.   "As a tax collector, Matthew possessed a skill that makes his writing all the more exciting for Christians. Tax collectors were expected to be able to write in a form of shorthand, which essentially meant that Matthew could record a person's words as they spoke, word for word. This ability means that the words of Matthew are not only inspired by the Holy Spirit, but should represent an actual transcript of some of Christ's sermons. For example, the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded in chapters 5-7, is almost certainly a perfect recording of that great message. [source - Got Questions Ministries. www.gotquestions.org - Gospel of Matthew].

Third, the adherence to detail is for example clearly shown with regard to Matthew's detail regarding the fig tree lesson given by Christ as recorded at Matthew 21: , "Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.  19  And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.  20  And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!  21  Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).

Jesus' (Yeshua's) purpose in this miracle was to teach his Apostles a lesson as noted by the world renown scholar, Theodore Beza, as follows, "Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and i doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
(5) How great the force of faith is.
(i) The Greek word signifies a fixing or wavering of mind, so that we cannot tell which way to take"
[source - "Commentary on Matthew 21". "The 1599 Geneva Study Bible".by Theodore Beza in 1600-1645].

And, another world renown scholar, John Wesley, said, "Jesus answering, said, If ye have faith - Whence we may learn, that one great end of our Lord in this miracle was to confirm and increase their faith: another was, to warn them against unfruitfulness." (AV) confirmed this as does a look at Matthew 17:20, "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." (AV), also dealing with Jesus' (Yeshua's) efforts to build faith in his Apostles.

And, another world renown scholar, John Gill, said, "Ver. 21. Jesus answered and said unto them,.... His disciples wondering at his power, in causing the fig tree to wither so suddenly:

"...verily I say unto you, if ye have faith; that is, in God, in his power, which reaches to all things: the object of faith is expressed in Mark, and by way of exhortation, "have faith in God", that he will enable you to perform whatsoever ye shall desire; which must be understood, not of spiritual faith in the promises of God, and person of Christ, but of, the faith of miracles, or faith in the power of God to perform things that are above the strength of nature:

and doubt not; either of the power, or will of God to do for you, and by you, the thing desired; for this kind of faith would not admit of the least degree of doubting: there must be no hesitation in the mind, no reasoning upon the thing, how it can be performed; the mind must not be divided between the power and will of God, and the difficulties and discouragements which attend the case, but must believe in hope against hope, with a full persuasion of accomplishment: for want of this faith, without doubting, the disciples could not cure the child that was lunatic.

Ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree; cause one to be dried up, and wither away by a word, as Christ had done to this, which, comparatively speaking, was but a lesser sort of miracle;

but also, if ye shall say to this mountain; the Mount of Olives, where Christ and his disciples now were, and were passing over, or, at least, were very near it; or any other mountain wherever they might be, to which they should, upon any occasion, think fit to say,

be thou removed, and cast into the sea; which was many miles off from Mount Olivet, and must he a very surprising performance for a mountain to be rooted up, so large as that was, and be carried several miles from its former situation, and be thrown into the sea; and yet, as difficult and amazing as this may seem,it shall be done: that is, provided the person doubts not; or, as it is said in Mark, "shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things, which he saith, shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith": for this must not be confined to the particular instances of drying up a fig tree, or removing a mountain, but the doing of any sort of miracle, how great soever. Nor is it our Lord's meaning that they should do these particular things; nor is it certain that they ever did: but his sense is, that, had they faith, they should be able not only to do such lesser miracles, as, comparatively speaking, the withering of the fig tree was, but they should be able to perform things much more difficult and surprising, whenever the good of the souls of men, the propagation of the Gospel, and the glory of God required them." (AV)[source - John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible].

Whereas, Mark was NOT a detail oriented person and had not been a companion of Jesus (Yeshua), and wrote his Book of Mark strictly on the basis of what he had heard from others; he being a lot younger man than Matthew and the other Apostles.   His account of the same event is lacking in detail with in comparison to the detailed first person account of the Apostle Matthew.   To see this, let's look at his account of the same fig tree miracle and see how it lacks detail and even really does not cover the purpose of the event.

Mark 11:12-14, "And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:  13  And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.  14  And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it." (AV), and Mark 11:20-22, "And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.   21  And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.  22  And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God." (AV).

As can clearly be seen, Mark's account lacks the clear, concise, clarity of Matthew's account and never could be the basis or source for it regardless of what some higher critics wrongly claim.    These same wrong higher critics often claim that the Book of Matthew was written after the Book of Mark so as to back up their self-serving false claim that Matthew copied from Mark which has been proven wrong by Matthew's detail that is lacking in Mark's writings on the subject.   Also, Matthew, as previously mentioned was with Jesus (Yeshua) while he was preaching on earth; whereas, Mark was not.

Now the reason these higher critics can get away with making such outlandish claims is clearly shown in "THE BOOK OF MATTHEW," written by an Anonymous writer, per the CCN source which says, "Like all the Gospels, Matthew is not easy to date: suggestions have ranged from A.D. 40 to 140. The two expressions "unto this day" (Matt. 27:8) and "until this day" (Matt. 28:15) indicate that a substantial period of time has passed since the events described in the book, but they also point to a date prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24 and 25) also anticipates this event. The strong Jewish flavor of this gospel is another argument for a date prior to A.D. 70."

So they are taking liberty from reality due to the fact that it is difficult to accurately ascertain the exact date that the Gospel of Matthew or any other of the three Gospels were written.   However, the range of dates given is preposterous as Matthew died before 100 AD.

Also, the question of when the book of Matthew was written is a question much debated, one writer expresses it as a debate that centers on Matthew 24:2: and which says, "And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." (AV).  This verse speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem as a future event, and this destruction took place in 70 AD; therefore any higher critic citing a later date than 70 AD is clearly citing an impossibility.   Yet many higher critics do just that; therefore, any dating claims by higher critics are nothing but self-serving guesses and NOT even good ones.

Hal Lindsey, in a WorldNetDaily Exclusive ((c) 2003 WorldNetDaily.com ) made it clear that what he called "new thinkers" were wrong with respect to their false claims that Matthew was not the author, that he was not an eyewitness, and that Jesus (Yeshua) did not do many of the claimed things.   Hal went on to note that the favorite tactic of these self proclaimed "new Thinkers" was to assign later dates than was reasonable to seemingly back up their false claims.   And he quotes a parody on the Book of Matthew by a leading first century Rabbi as follows, "In an essay written for the book, "Passover and Easter: Origin and History to Modern Times," Israel J. Yuval of Jerusalem's Hebrew University, reports the Star, writes about a leading rabbinical scholar of the first century named Gamaliel, who is mentioned in Acts 5:34 and 22:3. Yuval declares that Gamaliel is "considered to have authored a sophisticated parody of the Gospel according to Matthew."

Because the date of Gamaliel's death is known, it places the publication of the Book of Matthew some time before AD 73. The fact that it was a parody demands that the Book of Matthew had extensive circulation and was well known. Otherwise, no one would have gotten the joke. "   And Hal Lindsey went on to note the facts about Jesus (Yeshua) and the crucifixion were so well known only 27 years after the event as shown by Acts  26:26, "For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner." (AV), the Book of Matthew would have had to be written before 57 AD.

Hal Lindsey also noted that Dr. Simon Greenleaf, one of the greatest legal minds of American history and head of the Harvard Law School for some 30 years wrote a definitive work, "The Testimony of The Four Evangelists," and concluded that the evidence in support of the four Gospels is better than the evidence supporting any other history of antiquity.   He also noted that the higher critics are best described by 2 Timothy 3:1-7, " This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  6  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,  7  Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (AV).

The general best current thinking by none higher critic Bible scholars is that the Book of Matthew was written around 41 AD since if it had been written much later, Matthew could not have detailed the events therein in such clarity and with such exactness.   This is based on very recent research with respect how humans remember detail.   The writer of this article, Iris the Preacher, is one of the sincere none higher critics that is in harmony with the best available credible evidence pointing to a date around 41 AD.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION - BOTH TRUE AND FALSE - AT  WWW.JW.ORG

COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] THE SUBJECT OF RESURRECTION

[1]   SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [224B]

Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.  18  O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:   Isaiah 48:17 – 18,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

And 1 Kings 8:36, [AV] reinforces this, “Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.”  Yes, we must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of Almighty God (YHWH) as shown by Psalms 25:8 – 14, [AV] “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.  9  The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.  10  All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.  11  For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.  12  What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.  13  His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.  14  The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.”   

[2]   THE SUBJECT OF RESURRECTION

INTRODUCTION:

The resurrection hope is clearly set out in the Bible as shown at Hebrews 6:1-2, " Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).; and at Isaiah 25:8, " He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it." (AV).

In fact preChristian Old Testament (Hebrew) scriptures refer to such a hope.
Let's look at a few of these:

Isaiah 29:19, " Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." (AV).

Daniel 12:13, " But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days." (AV).

Job 14:13, " O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!" (AV).

This article will proceed to prove there is a resurrection from the scriptures through use of 'Sola Scripture' writing style, i.e., by use of over 50% scripture.

ALL ARE REMEMBERED BY GOD (yhwh).

God (YHWH) keeps a record of all who have ever lived including those from before the common era as shown by 1 Kings 17:22-24, " And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.  23  And Elijah took the child, and brought him down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, See, thy son liveth.  24  And the woman said to Elijah, Now by this I know that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in thy mouth is truth." (AV). And 2 Kings 13:20-21, " And Elisha died, and they buried him. And the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.  21  And it came to pass, as they were burying a man, that, behold, they spied a band of men; and they cast the man into the sepulchre of Elisha: and when the man was let down, and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and stood up on his feet." (AV); and Hebrews 11:35, " Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:" (AV).

And the New Testament (Greek) clearly shows this same fact in complete harmony with the Old Testament as follows at John 6:38-40, " For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.  39  And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (AV); and Luke 20:35-36, " But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:  36  Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection." (AV); and John 11:23-24, " Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.  25  Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:" (AV).

HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS OF RESURRECTIONS:

The Bible gives many accounts of resurrections that have occurred in the past, and here are some of them:

Acts 9:36-41, " Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.  32 ¶  And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.  33  And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.  34  And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.  35  And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.  36 ¶  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.  37  And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.  38  And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.  39  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.  40  But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up." (AV).

John 6:39-40, " And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  40  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." (AV).

John 11:38-45, " Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.  39  Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.  40  Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?  41  Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.  42  And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.  43  And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.  44  And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.  45 ¶  Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him." (AV).

CHRIST OPENED WAY FOR HEAVENLY RESURRECTION FOR THE CHOOSEN:

Christ opened the way for others to be raised from the dead as clearly shown from the following scriptures:

Acts 17:31-32, " Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.  32 ¶  And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter." (AV).

1 Corinthians 15:12-22, " Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:   14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:  17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  20 ¶  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (AV).

2 Corinthians 4:12-14, " So then death worketh in us, but life in you.  13  We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;  14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you." (AV).

JESUS' (YESHUA'S) RESURRECTION WITNESSED BY MANY:

The resurrection of Jesus (Yeshua) was witnessed by over 500 witnesses as shown by the following scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:3-8, " For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;  4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:  5  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:  6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.  7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.  8  And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (AV).

Matthew 28:1-10, " n the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.  2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.  3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:  4  And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.  5  And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  7  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  8  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.  9  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.  10  Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me." (AV).

Acts 2:23-24, " Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:  24  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it." (AV).

Acts 2:32, " This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses." (AV).

FIRST RISERS:

Now those who have died in union with Christ will rise first as shown by the following scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:22-23, " For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." (AV).

1 Thessalonians 4:14-16, " For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:" (AV).

GENERAL RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD OCCURS AFTER PRESENT WICKED WORLD REMOVED:

The general resurrection of the dead will occur after this system of things, the wicked world is removed as shown by the following scriptures:

Revelation 20:11-15, " And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (AV).

And there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous as shown by the following scriptures:

Acts 24:15, " And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." (AV).

John 5:25-30, " Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.  26  For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;  27  And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.  28  Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  29  And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.  30  I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (AV).

RANSOM PROVIDED BY JESUS (YESHUA) PERMITS MANKIND TO BENEFIT FROM RESURRECTION:

Resurrection of the just and the unjust is only possible due to the ransom sacrifice provided by Jesus (Yeshua) as shown by the following scriptures:

Hebrews 9:26-28, " For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (AV).

Revelation 20:12-13, " And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works." (AV).

CONCLUSION:

This article was based on scripture alone in complete harmony with 2 Peter 1:19-21, " We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (AV).

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COMBINATION OF [1]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [2] THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE GOD

[1] SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [226B]

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.   Matthew 4:10,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

This fact, that Almighty God (YHWH) is a God wanting exclusive devotion is clearly stated at Deuteronomy 6:12 – 16, “Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.  13  Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.  14  Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;  15  (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.  16  Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.”  And this is what Jesus (Yeshua) had reference to when he told Satan the Devil that he would only worship his Father, the one true God.  In fact, this reality was made the first part of the Ten Commandments found at Exodus 20:1 – 6, [AV] “And God spake all these words, saying,  2  I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  3  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:  5  Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;  6  And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.  7  Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”  So clearly as shown by Jesus (Yeshua) himself, all worship was to be directed strictly to his Father and not to him and/or the angels.   

[2]   THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE GOD

INTRODUCTION:

Many religions have many different gods with the count of these well over 2,000,000, but the Bible shows there is only one Almighty God (YHWH) Creator of all there is and Psalms 19:1-4 makes this quite clear, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  2  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.  3  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.  4  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun," (Authorized King James Bible; AV); and Psalms 100:3, "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (AV); and his name is per Exodus 6:2-3, "And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD:  3  And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them." (AV).

And Romans 1:20 shows the inexcusability of not recognizing this, "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" (AV).

FALSE GODS ARE NOTHING BUT FIGMENTS OF THE IMAGINATION

There exist many false gods which are figments of the imagination and some of these such as Molech, Ashtoreth, Baal, Dagon Merodach, Zeus, Hermes, Artemis, etc. are mentioned in the Bible.   Let's look at a few instances, Leviticus 18:21, "And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD." (AV); Judges 2:13, "And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth." (AV); Judges 16:23, "Then the lords of the Philistines gathered them together for to offer a great sacrifice unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, Our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into our hand." (AV); Jeremiah 50:2, "Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces." (AV); Acts 14:12, "And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker." (AV).   Some of these gods exist until today, usually under new names.

The old middle eastern Moon god who has gone by many names is still well venerated.   This is shown by "The Archeology of The Middle East" which states, "The religion of Islam has as its focus of worship a deity by the name of "Allah." The Muslims claim that Allah in pre-Islamic times was the biblical God of the Patriarchs, prophets, and apostles. The issue is thus one of continuity. Was "Allah" the biblical God or a pagan god in Arabia during pre-Islamic times? The Muslim's claim of continuity is essential to their attempt to convert Jews and Christians for if "Allah" is part of the flow of divine revelation in Scripture, then it is the next step in biblical religion. Thus we should all become Muslims. But, on the other hand, if Allah was a pre-Islamic pagan deity, then its core claim is refuted. Religious claims often fall before the results of hard sciences such as archeology. We can endlessly speculate about the past or go and dig it up and see what the evidence reveals. This is the only way to find out the truth concerning the origins of Allah. As we shall see, the hard evidence demonstrates that the god Allah was a pagan deity. In fact, he was the Moon-god who was married to the sun goddess and the stars were his daughters.

Archaeologists have uncovered temples to the Moon-god throughout the Middle East. From the mountains of Turkey to the banks of the Nile, the most wide-spread religion of the ancient world was the worship of the Moon-god. In the first literate civilization, the Sumerians have left us thousands of clay tablets in which they described their religious beliefs. As demonstrated by Sjoberg and Hall, the ancient Sumerians worshipped a Moon-god who was called many different names. The most popular names were Nanna, Suen and Asimbabbar. His symbol was the crescent moon. Given the amount of artifacts concerning the worship of this Moon-god, it is clear that this was the dominant religion in Sumeria. The cult of the Moon-god was the most popular religion throughout ancient Mesopotamia. The Assyrians, Babylonians, and the Akkadians took the word Suen and transformed it into the word Sin as their favorite name for the Moon-god. As Prof. Potts pointed out, "Sin is a name essentially Sumerian in origin which had been borrowed by the Semites." [source - The Archeology of the Middle East]"[additional references - "South Arabia's stellar religion has always been dominated by the Moon-god in various variations" (Berta Segall, The Iconography of Cosmic Kingship, the Art Bulletin, vol.xxxviii, 1956, p.77).; Isaac Rabinowitz, Aramaic Inscriptions of the Fifth Century, JNES, XV, 1956, pp.1-9; Edward Linski, The Goddess Atirat in Ancient Arabia, in Babylon and in Ugarit: Her Relation to the Moon-god and the Sun-goddess, Orientalia Lovaniensia Periodica, 3:101-9; H.J.Drivers, Iconography and Character of the Arab Goddess Allat, found in Études Preliminaries Aux Religions Orientales Dans L'Empire Roman, ed. Maarten J. Verseren, Leiden, Brill, 1978, pp.331-51); Richard Le Baron Bower Jr. and Frank P. Albright, Archaeological Discoveries in South Arabia, Baltimore, John Hopkins University Press, 1958, p.78ff; Ray Cleveland, An Ancient South Arabian Necropolis, Baltimore, John Hopkins University Press, 1965; Nelson Gleuck, Deities and Dolphins, New York, Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, 1965).; Another Aramaic Record of the North Arabian goddess Han'Llat, JNES, XVIII, 1959, pp.154-55.

All these mythical gods are not merely inferior to Almighty God (YHWH).   In most cases they are nenexistent - strictly figments of human imagination.    The Bible refers to these gods at Deuteronomy 4:28, " And there ye shall serve gods, the work of men's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell." (AV).    The Bible clearly teaches that God (YHWH) is the only true God (YHWH).

Therefore it is no wonder that the scriptures sternely warn against worshipping any other deith other than Almighty God (YHWH)   Exodus 20:3, the first of the Ten Commandments states, " Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (AV), and the second of the Ten Commandments states, " Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:" (AV).

ALL WORSHIP BELONGS TO ALMIGHTY GOD - YHWH:

Why does all worship belong to Almighty God (YHWH)?

First, to venerate a god that does not even exist is a great insult to the Creator (YHWH), and worshippers of false gods are described at Romans 1:25, " Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (AV).   

Many of these false deities are associated with natural things of the universe such as the sun, the moon, the planets, etc.

Second, To the Creator (YHWH), false gods and their idols are repugnant.  Yet, God's (YHWH's) words of displeasure are mainly directed to the people who have fabricated these false gods as shown by Psalm 135:15-18, " The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.  16  They have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not;  17  They have ears, but they hear not; neither is there any breath in their mouths.  18  They that make them are like unto them: so is every one that trusteth in them." (AV).

Third, to worship these false gods including the old middle eastern Moon god, 'Allah" is a waste of time.   As Isaiah aptly stated at Isaiah 44:10, " Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?" (AV).   The Bible also shows at Psalm 96:5, " For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens." (AV).

CONCLUSION;

AS Jesus (Yeshua) testified to at Luke 4:8, " And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (AV).   And this truth, that we should only worship Almighty God  was made clear by the Apostles John's almost mistake recorded by him at Revelation 19:8-10, " And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.  9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.  10  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (AV).

The Apostle Paul describes the Devil per 2 Corinthians 4:4, " In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (AV); therefore he is the one that is behind the promoting of countless false gods per John 12:31, " Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.   Hence, all worship addressed to man made gods is, in effect, worship directed to Satan.   But Satan is NOT a god who merits our worship.   He is a self-appointed ruler, a usurper, so worshiping the Moon god or Baal or the countless other puppet gods is worship directed to Satan.

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